Weekend letter: Spokane slow on snow

One of our writers appears to have had an inkling about what was coming over the weekend:

Being a newcomer, I need to further my education about Northwest ways. I moved here from the Midwest, and I am accustomed to snow, cold weather and icy conditions. I find the lack of cleaning snow and ice from parking lots in Spokane unusual for a town of this size. I have witnessed people falling in parking lots, at bus stops and an EMS crew having difficulty transporting a patient by stretcher to the ambulance. People in wheelchairs or with mobility limitations are further impeded in accessing stores and professional buildings. (...)

Ordinances requiring businesses to clear parking lots and sidewalks of snow and ice are in place in other towns. The same goes for requiring homeowners to clear sidewalks in front of their homes for the safety of people walking. This newbie is wondering why we are not more concerned about this public safety issue. -- Nancy A. Bartmess, Colbert

Question: Proportionally, how much should individuals, business owners and the city should be responsible for clearing snow after (and during) storms like we're seeing this week?

S-R photo: Kathy Plonka

Posted Jan. 28, 2008, 10:52 a.m.

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